for people who care about the West

Losing the border blues

Since the
North American Free Trade Agreement was signed, exports to Mexico
haven't boomed nor have jobs increased in the United States. If
you're searching for better news on NAFTA, take a look at the
summer 1995 issue of The Workbook. In its feature article,
"Cleaning Up the Border: Will Sustainability be a Priority,"
activist Lynda Taylor spotlights the Border Environment Cooperation
Commission and the North American Development Bank. The two
binational institutions were established by a NAFTA side agreement
to help Mexican and American border communities achieve
environmental sustainability. Border communities with projects
addressing water pollution, solid waste disposal or other
environmental problems may apply for bank loans after receiving
certification. According to Taylor, the two institutions "could
become a workable model of cooperation between countries with very
disparate economies as they grapple with the effects of virtually
unrestrained free trade." Published by the nonprofit Southwest
Research and Information Center, the quarterly covers a range of
environmental and social justice issues. To receive the latest
issue, send $3.50 to SRIC, P.O. Box 4524, Albuquerque, NM
87106.